Sony Handycam DCR-HC37E User manual

2-319-524-11(1)
© 2007 Sony Corporation
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC37E/HC38E/
HC45E
Getting Started 7
Recording/
Playback
15
Using the Menu 26
Dubbing/Editing 41
Using a Computer 46
Troubleshooting 50
Additional Information 57
Quick Reference 68

2
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC
ADAPTOR
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted
to this equipment for your safety and
convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied
one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362,
(i.e., marked with an or mark) must be
used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the
fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony
service station.
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and sound
of this camcorder.
This product has been tested and found compliant
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8
feet).
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart
the application or disconnect and connect the
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical
& Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the
European Union and other
European countries with
separate collection
systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over
to the applicable collection point for the recycling
of electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you
will help prevent potential negative consequences
for the environment and human health, which
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste
handling of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local Civic
Office, your household waste disposal service or
the shop where you purchased the product.
Applicable Accessories: Remote Commander
(DCR-HC45E)
Your camcorder is supplied with two
kinds of manuals
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)
– “First Step Guide” for connecting the
camcorder to a computer and using the
supplied software (stored on the supplied
CD-ROM)
WARNING
CAUTION
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
Notes on use

3
Type of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with . Your camcorder is not
compatible with the Cassette Memory
function (p. 57).
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “On use and care” (p. 60).
• Before connecting your camcorder to
another device with a USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug
the correct way, and not forcibly, to avoid
damaging the terminal or cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.
• For DCR-HC45E:
Connect the A/V connecting cable to the
A/V OUT jack of the Handycam Station
when using your camcorder attached to
the Handycam Station to output audio and
video signals.
• For DCR-HC45E:
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
Handycam Station holding both the
Handycam Station and the DC plug.
• For DCR-HC45E:
Be sure to slide the POWER switch to
OFF(CHG) when you insert the
camcorder into the Handycam Station or
remove the camcorder from it.
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-
precision technology, so over 99.99% of
the pixels are operational for effective
use. However, there may be some tiny
black points and/or bright points (white,
red, blue, or green in color) that appear
constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder. These points are normal
results of the manufacturing process and
do not affect the recording in any way.
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,
or the lens to direct sunlight for long
periods of time may cause malfunctions.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
LCD panel
Battery packViewfinder
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
Continued ,

4
About the language setting
• The on-screen displays in each local
language are used for illustrating the
operating procedures. Change the screen
language before using your camcorder if
necessary (p. 12).
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
country/region. To view your recordings
on a TV, you need a PAL system-based
TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
• The illustrations used on this manual are
based on the model DCR-HC38E. The
model name is indicated on the bottom of
your camcorder.
• Design and specifications of recording
media and accessories are subject to
change without notice.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior images.
It adopts the MTF*measurement system for
video cameras and offers a quality typical
of a Carl Zeiss lens.
*MTF stands for Modulation Transfer
Function. The number value indicates the
amount of light from a subject coming into
the lens.
Read this first (Continued)

5
Table of Contents
Read this first ..................................2
Step 1: Checking supplied items ....7
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
.......................................................8
Step 3: Turning the power on and
setting the date and time ............12
Changing the language setting
................................................... 12
Step 4: Making setting adjustments
before recording ..........................13
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette .........14
Easy Recording/Playback
(Easy Handycam) .......................15
Recording .....................................17
Zooming ...................................... 18
Recording in dark places
(NightShot plus) ........................ 18
Adjusting the exposure for backlit
subjects .................................... 19
Recording in mirror mode ........... 19
Playback .......................................20
Using the guide functions
(USAGE GUIDE) ........................21
Searching for the starting point .....22
Searching for the last scene of the
most recent recording
(END SEARCH) ........................ 22
Searching manually
(EDIT SEARCH) ........................ 22
Reviewing the most recently
recorded scenes
(Rec review) ............................. 22
Playing the picture on a TV ..........24
Using the menu items .......... 26
Operation button items .................27
Menu items ...................................34
MANUAL SET menu .............35
– P EFFECT
CAMERA SET menu ............36
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/
STEADYSHOT, etc.
PLAYER SET/ VCR SET
menu ...........................................37
– AUDIO MIX
LCD/VF SET menu ...............38
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
TAPE SET menu ..................39
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/
REMAIN
SETUP MENU menu ............39
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.
OTHERS menu .....................40
– WORLD TIME, etc.
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD
recorders .....................................41
Recording pictures from a TV or
VCR, etc. (DCR-HC38E) .............44
What you can do with Windows
computer .....................................46
Installing the “First Step Guide” and
software ......................................47
Viewing “First Step Guide” ............49
Getting Started
Recording/Playback
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Using a Computer
Continued ,

6
Troubleshooting ........................... 50
Warning indicators and messages
.................................................... 55
Using your camcorder abroad ...... 57
Maintenance and precautions ...... 57
Usable cassette tapes ................ 57
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack .......................................... 58
About i.LINK ................................ 59
On using your camcorder ........... 60
Specifications ............................... 64
Identifying parts and controls ....... 68
Indicators displayed during
recording/playback ..................... 72
Index ............................................ 74
Troubleshooting
Additional Information
Quick Reference

7
Getting Started
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have following items
supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 8)
Mains lead (1) (p. 8)
Handycam Station (1)
(DCR-HC45E) (p. 8, 71)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(DCR-HC45E) (p. 71)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 24, 41)
USB cable (1)
(DCR-HC45E) (p. 69, 71)
• A USB cable is not supplied with the
DCR-HC37E/HC38E models. If
necessary, buy a USB 2.0 cable (Type A
to Type B-mini.). A Sony product is
recommended.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1)
(p. 8, 58)
CD-ROM “Handycam Application
Software” (1) (p. 46)
21-pin adaptor (1) (DCR-HC45E) (p. 25)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

8
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (H series) (p. 58) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
bNotes
• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack other than the H series to your camcorder.
1Align the terminals of the battery
pack and your camcorder 1, then
attach the battery pack and click
it into place 2.
2Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).
3For DCR-HC37E/HC38E
Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder.
For DCR-HC45E
Connect the AC adaptor to the DC
IN jack on the Handycam Station.
4For DCR-HC37E/HC38E:
Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor and the wall socket.
12
4
3
1
2
Battery pack
DC IN jack
To the wall socket
Mains lead
With the vmark facing
down
POWER switch
AC Adaptor
With the vmark facing up
DC IN jack

9
Getting Started
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
For DCR-HC45E:
Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor and the wall socket.
Insert the camcorder into the
Handycam Station securely, all
the way to the bottom.
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
5The CHG (charge) lamp turns off
when the battery is fully charged.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from
the DC IN jack.
For DCR-HC45E:
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
DC IN jack holding both the Handycam
Station and the DC plug.
bNotes
• For DCR-HC45E:
When inserting the camcorder into the
Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover.
For DCR-HC45E:
To charge the battery pack using only
the AC Adaptor
Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
Then connect the AC Adaptor directly to
the DC IN jack on the camcorder.
zTips
• You can operate your camcorder connected to a
power source such as a wall socket as shown in
the illustration. The battery pack will not lose its
charge in this case.
CHG (charge) lamp
CHG (charge) lamp
POWER switch
DC IN jack
DC plug
Continued ,

10
For DCR-HC45E:
To remove your camcorder from the
Handycam Station
Turn off the power, then remove the
camcorder from the Handycam Station
holding both your camcorder and the
Handycam Station.
For DCR-HC37E/HC38E:
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the
power from the wall socket by making the
same connections as you do when charging
the battery pack. The battery pack will not
lose its charge in this case.
To remove the battery pack
1Turn off the power, then press PUSH.
2Remove the battery pack in the direction
of the arrow.
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (p. 59).
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info)
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then
press DISP/BATT INFO.
After a while, the approximate recordable
time and battery information appear for
about 7 seconds. You can view the battery
information for up to 20 seconds by
pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the
information is displayed.
You can check the remaining battery charge
on the LCD screen.
2
1
POWER switch
PUSH
Indicator Status
Sufficient power remaining
Battery low, recording/
playback will stop soon.
Replace the battery with a
fully charged one, or charge
the battery.
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER
:
:
85
99
min
min
0% 50% 100%
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording capacity (approx.)
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

11
Getting Started
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
*Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
bNotes
• All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 10) will not be
correctly displayed under the following
conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
– The battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info
only).
• The power will not be supplied from the battery
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam
Station supplied with the DCR-HC45E, even
when the mains lead is disconnected from the
wall socket.
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C
(77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is
recommended.)
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low
temperatures.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
wall socket immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FH30 (supplied) 115
NP-FH50 135
NP-FH70 170
NP-FH100 390
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-FH30
(supplied)
95 45
110 55
NP-FH50 155 75
180 90
NP-FH70 330 165
395 195
NP-FH100 760 380
890 445
Battery pack LCD panel
opened
LCD panel
closed
NP-FH30
(supplied) 105 135
NP-FH50 170 220
NP-FH70 370 465
NP-FH100 845 1065
Battery pack LCD panel
opened
LCD panel
closed

12
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the
date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]
screen appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.
1While pressing the green button,
slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to turn on
the respective lamp.
CAMERA: To record on a tape.
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.
2Set [Y] (year) with / ,
then touch .
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
3Set [M] (month), then touch
and repeat for [D] (day), [H] (hour)
and [M] (minute).
The clock starts.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
To reset the date and time
You can set the desired date and time by
touching t[PAGE2] t[CLOCK
SET] (p. 26).
bNotes
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may
be cleared from the memory. In that case,
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the
date and time again (p. 63).
• At the time of purchase, the power is set to turn
off automatically if you leave your camcorder
without any operation attempted for
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 40).
zTips
• The date and time are not displayed while
recording, but they are automatically recorded
on the tape, and can be displayed during
playback (see page 31 for [DATA CODE]
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set
only [DATE/TIME])).
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work
correctly, adjust the touch panel
(CALIBRATION) (p. 62).
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Touch t[MENU] t
(SETUP MENU) t[ LANGUAGE],
then select the desired language.
POWER switch
Touch the button
on the LCD screen.
CLOCK SET
YMDHM
2007 1 10
:00
OK
Changing the language setting

13
Getting Started
Step 4: Making setting adjustments before
recording
Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.
After recording, set the LENS COVER
switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play (2).
bNotes
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD
panel.
zTips
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient
during playback operations.
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 31) to adjust the brightness
of the LCD screen.
• Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen
indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off.
You can view pictures using the viewfinder
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.
zTips
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting (LCD/VF SET) -
[VF B.L.] (p. 38).
Fasten the grip belt and hold your
camcorder correctly.
Opening the lens cover
The LCD panel
2
1
180 degrees
(max.)
90 degrees
(max.)
90 degrees to the
camcorder
DISP/BATT INFO
The viewfinder
The grip belt
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture
is clear.
Viewfinder
2
1
4
3

14
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette
You can use mini DV cassettes only
(p. 57).
1Slide and hold the OPEN/
EJECT lever in the direction of the
arrow and open the lid.
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
2Insert a cassette with its window
facing outwards, then press
.
The cassette compartment
automatically slides back in.
bNotes
•Do not force the cassette
compartment closed by pressing the
portion marked while
it is sliding in. It may cause a
malfunction.
3Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
Open the lid following the same procedure
as described in step 1and remove the
cassette.
zTips
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC
MODE] (p. 39).
OPEN/EJECT lever
Lid
Window
Push the center of the back
of the cassette lightly.
Cassette compartment
{DO NOT PUSH}

15
Recording/Playback
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally
adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy
viewing.
1Slide the POWER switch Ain the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the CAMERA lamp.
2Press EASY C.
3Press REC START/STOP B(or E) to start recording.*
*During Easy Handycam operation, you can only record in the SP mode.
Recording
A
B
EDC
Open the lens cover (p. 13)
If the POWER switch Ais set to OFF(CHG),
slide it while pressing the green button.
EASY appears on the screen D.
A
0:00:00 REC
FN
GUIDE
6 0 min
The indicator (A) changes from [STBY] to
[REC]. To stop recording, press REC START/
STOP again.
Continued ,

16
Slide the POWER switch Ain the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen Das follows.
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY Cagain. disappears from the screen D.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch to display adjustable menu settings. See page 26 for details on setting.
• Almost all the settings return to their defaults automatically (p. 34).
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.
x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the BACK LIGHT button (p. 19) is unavailable. [Invalid
during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is not available in Easy
Handycam mode.
Playback
A
CB
D
AGUIDE (p. 21)
BStop
CPlay/Pause toggles as you touch it
DRewind/Fast forward
Touch , then touch to
start playback.
If the POWER switch is
set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green
button.
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)

17
Recording/Playback
Recording
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
Press REC START/STOP A(or B).
To stop recording, press REC START/STOP again.
Open the lens cover (p. 13).
REC START/STOP B
POWER switch
REC START/
STOP A
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
[STBY] [REC]
Continued ,

18
You can magnify images up to 40 times the
original size with the power zoom lever or
the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
bNotes
• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image
blurring as desired when the power zoom lever
is set to the T (Telephoto) side.
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom
lever. If you move your finger off the power
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power
zoom lever may also be recorded.
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
• The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
zTips
• You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 36) if you want to
zoom to a level greater than 40 ×.
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.
( and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.)
bNotes
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with
your fingers or other objects. Remove the
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 27)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.
Zooming
Close view: (Telephoto)
Wider range of view:
(Wide angle)
Recording in dark places
(NightShot plus)
Infrared port
Recording (Continued)

19
Recording/Playback
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press BACK LIGHT to display .. To
cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side (2).
zTips
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the image will be normal when
recorded.
Adjusting the exposure for
backlit subjects
Recording in mirror mode

20
Playback
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
Start playing back.
Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch to start playback.
*Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.
To adjust the volume
Touch t[PAGE1] t[VOL], then / to adjust the volume.
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or / while fast
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
zTips
• You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 31).
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
Stop
Play/Pause*toggles as you touch it
Rewind/Fast forward